The European crossing of the Blue Mountains: some bibliography

The following is a selection of references, to be added to progressively.

Some early materials

Blaxland, Gregory, A Journal of a Tour of Discovery across the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, in the Year 1813, with references and explanatory notes, maps, etc. by Frank Walker, [Sydney, S.T. Leigh & Co., printers, 1913?].

Anon. [James O’Hara], The History of New South Wales, London, J. Hatchard, 1817; 2nd ed., 1818.

[Evans, George William; Turpin, Mary Lemprière], The First Crossing of the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, by George William Evans, Deputy Surveyor General of New South Wales, 30th November 1813, compiled by his daughter, Mary Lemprière Turpin, née Evans, [Sydney?], [publisher?], c. 1913.

Currey, C.H. ‘The First Crossing of the Blue Mountains by Governor and Mrs Macquarie and the Foundation of the City of Bathurst on May 7, 1815’, Journal (Royal Australian Historical Society) 41.3, 1955.

Ellis, M.H., Lachlan Macquarie, Sydney, Angus and Robertson, 1978.

Havard, W.L. (ed.), ‘Gregory Blaxland’s Narrative and Journal Relating to the First Expedition over the Blue Mountains, New South Wales’, Journal and Proceedings (Royal Australian Historical Society), 23.1, 1937, 28-42.

Lee, Ida, Early Explorers in Australia: From the Log-Books and Journals, Including the Diary of Allan Cunningham, Botanist, from March 1, 1817, to November 19, 1818, London, Methuen, 1925, chap. XV, at p. 489. ‘Cunningham Reaches Pandora’s Pass’. Brief description of Allan Cunningham’s journey over the Mountains, September 1822. A transcript online.

This blog takes a fresh look at places and their history, in Sydney and further afield.

Themes of particular interest include: human interaction with the natural environment; the dynamics of societies in transition; and climate in historical perspective. The Blue Mountains (NSW) and surrounding areas are a special focus of attention.

A full listing of entries will be found under Notes > Notes and Queries.